Portable exerciser



Sept. 7, 1954 J. H. MILLER 2,688,323 PORTABLE EXERCISER Filed March 15, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. JOHN H. MILLER Ma Z 7 AT' JRNEYS.

Sept. 7, 1954 J. H. MlLLER 2,683,323

PORTABLE EXERCISER Filed March 15, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I INVENTOR- J OHN HM/LLER ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 7, 1954 J. H. MILLER PORTABLE EXERCISER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 15, 195] INVENTOR. JOHN H MILL ER BY ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 7, 1954 J. H. MILLER PORTABLE EXERCISER 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 15, 1951 p 7, 1954 J. H. MILLER 2,688,323

PORTABLE EXERCISER Filed March 15, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 MSW/141a F I G. 7. I INVENTOR.

JOHN H M/Ll .E/?

BY @MZL ATTORNE S.

Patented Sept. 7, 1954 John H. Miller, Laconi & Williams, Inc! a, N. H., a'ssigno'r to Scott rporated, Laconia, N. H., a corporation of New Hampshire Apsiieation March is, 195i,seria1No. 2153744 24 Claims. 1

This. invention involves a portable exerciser or a type adapted to be employed for the cyclic raising and lowering of a Datiehts leg in a man her generally known in the medical arts to have desirable effects in medical treatment by desira'ibly effecting the circulation of the blood stream in the leg.

Heretofore there have been provided rookin'g beds for the nu-Those of raising and lowering a-patients leg in order to stimulate the blood circulation the-r'ethrou'gh. The rocking beds heretofore employed rock the patients body as well as the patients legs motion of the patients body frequent-1 y oaus'es sea sickness or other discomfort to the Patient.

The resent exercise-r is adapted to be positioned beside a bed in a manner as to permit the patients body to rest partly on vthe bed and partly on the exerciser while one or the atients less is being exercised. This motion of the patients leg is accomplished Without movement of the patients body.

It is an object of this invention to provide a portable exerciser which may be attached to a bed in such a manner that the patient lying partly on the bed and partly on the exerciser will have one of his legs, which is resting on the exerciser, periodically elevated and depressed with individually predetermined periods of rest at the elevated, horizontal and depressed positions.

it is a further object or the invention to rovide an exercising apparatus inwhich the periods of dwell of the patients l'e": at an elevated position, at a horizontal position and at a depressed position may be adjusted to various time intervals as may be desired.

It is another objeot of this invention to provide an exerciser havin se arate portions adaptedto support the atients leg and the p'atients heel which will move in relation to each other in such a manner upon being elevated and depressed as to avoid motion or scuffing of the patients heel upon the heelsupporting "portion or the e xereis'er. I

These and other objects of the invention will become appareht from the following description when read in conjunction with the aceoinpany= irig drawings, in which: I

Figure l is a perspective view of the exerciser;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary View of the exerciser showing a portion of the mechanism for operating the Ieg' and foot supporting rnem= bers of the exerciser,

Figure 3' is" a fragmentary showing of a por= eirereiser;

tion or the apparatus controlling the operation of the mechanism ror elevating and depressing the leg and root supporting members or the Figure 4 is a plan view of the apparatus shown inFigu-re 3;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic showing of the electrical control circuit employed;

Figure 6 is a detailed showing of a portion of the electrical control a paratus employed;

Figure 7 is an enlarged showing of "a fragmentary portion of Figure 2; and

Figure 8 is a. sectional View taken on the trace 8 -8 of Figure 7-.

In Figure 2, platform members '44 and are shown in solid lines in their normal "horizontal position. They are shown at 44 and 50' in dash line's an elevated position, and they are shown at '4'4 and 50 in construction lines in 'a depressed position. The mechanism for positiohing the platform members is similarly shown in solid lines, dash lines and construction lines in their various positions.

Mounted on the underside of the platform member it is a member so which is provided at its lower end with a forked and cut-out po'r tion 66* for engagement with the pins 56 which are mounted to either side of the member 54. The member "58 prevents rotation of the driv ing member 54 and thus as the driving shaft 42 rotates and the member "54 travels inward-1y or outwardly thereon, the platform member '44 will be raised or lowered as the member 58 is carried to an outward position, as shown at 58', or to an inward position as shown at 58". As the platform inerhber l 'ri'ioves about the hinge W3, the member -54 will travel in an arc and will assume various positions of elevation. By reference to Fi'giire 1-, it will 'be apn'arent that, as the member e4 assumes various positions of elevation, the motor mounting cradle 3 6 will swing on the pins 32 and thus the outer end of the drive shaft 42 will be free to move upwardlyor 'down'wardly as shown in Figure 2.

The exerciser comprises a iramework or four horizontally extendihg inemhers 2 which is mounted on rear swiveiiing oastoi's '4 and in- Cludes four vertically positioned tubular members '6. A framework of four horizontally extending members 8 is inounted on and provides rigidity to the vertical n'i-einber's 6.

Four tubular members F2 are mounted on anti extend downwardly from a framework of four horizontally extending members It, Each of the members I2 is adapted to slide downwardly within one of the four vertical members 6. Mounted on the upper ends of the members I2 is a platform l6 which is covered with a suitable padded mattress or cushion It on which the patient will lie. A bumper pad I is affixed to the upper portion of each of the members l2.

A cross member is mounted on two of the framework members l4 and supports a vertical rod member 22 which is threaded at its lower end, as indicated at 24, and passes freely through a cross member 26 which is mounted on two of the lower framework members 2. A hand wheel 28 is mounted on the threaded portion 24 of the vertical rod 22 above the cross member 26. The hub of the wheel 20 is in engagement with the member 26 and thus, by rotation of the wheel in one direction, the member 22 will be moved upwardly carrying with it the cross member 20, the framework l4 and the platform It. If the wheel 28 is rotated in the opposite direction, the weight of the apparatus will force the screw 24 downwardly through the member 26, the tubular members l2 will move into the tubular member 6 and the bed will be lowered. The clamp screws 10 mounted in the tubular members 6 are provided to clamp the members l2 within the members 5 after the table has been adjusted to any desired height by operation of the hand wheel 28, and thus any rotation of the wheel 28 on the rod 22 resulting from vibration during operation of the machine will not alter the height of the platforms.

A shaft 9 is rotatably mounted on two of the framework members l4 and may be manually rotated by a crank H. A pair of straps ll are mounted on drums on the shaft 9. Affixed to the ends of the straps H are hooks l9 which are adapted to be hooked to the frame of a hospital bed beside which the exerciser is placed when in use. A ratchet and detent arrangement I3 is provided to lock the shaft against rotation after the hooks [9 have been hooked to the bed frame and the straps wound on the drums by rotation of the crank II to hold the exerciser snugly against the bed. The pads l5 prevent scraping between the frame of the bed and the frame of the exerciser.

It will be apparent that the straps I? may pass outwardly from the drums on the shaft 9 either across the top of the drum in the direction shown in Figure 1 in order to attach the exerciser to the right hand side of a hospital bed or, alternately, the straps Il may pass outwardly from under the drums on the shaft 9 towards the opposite side of the exerciser from that shown in Figure 1, and thus provide for the attachment of the exerciser to the left hand side of a hospital bed.

Also mounted on two of the framework members I4 are a pair of members 30 retaining hinge pins 32 on which a cradle member 36 is mounted. Mounted on the cradle member 36 is a motor and. speed reducer assembly 38 and extending from the speed reducer and supported by an extension 40 of the member 36 is a shaft 42 which rotates when the motor is in operation.

A platform 44 is hinged to the platform l6 by means] of hinges 43, and is provided with a suitable cushion 46 to support the patients thigh. Mounted to the underside of the platform 44 are a pair of channel members 48. These channel members are rigidly mounted to the member 44 adjacent to either side thereof with their flanges turned inwardly. The channels extend outwardly from the platform 44 and support a platform 4 50 which is movably mounted on the channel members by means of rollers 52 which are mounted on the underside of the platform member 50 and roll within the channel members 48. The platform 50 is provided with a suitable cushion 5| to support the patients heel.

The movable platforms 44 and 50 and their respective cushions 46 and 5| are somewhat more narrow than the stationary platform l6 and its cushion [8. This arrangement provides a suitable clearance between the mattress of the bed to which the exerciser is attached and the movable platforms 44 and 50 of the exerciser to prevent wear on the bed mattress and covers which would otherwise result if the moving portions of the exerciser were to brush against the bed mattress and covers when the exerciser is in operation.

Mounted behind the shaft 42, in the region indicated generally by the arrow 4| in Figure 1, is a stroke control limit switch and cam assembly shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4 which will be hereinafter described.

The outer end of the shaft 42 is threaded, as indicated at 52, and mounted thereon is a threaded member 54 which mounts a pair of outwardly extending pins 56. The member 54 is prevented from rotating by structure to be described and as a result it will move longitudinally on the threaded member when the theraded member is rotated in one direction or the other as a result of operation of the motor 38. This longitudinal motion of the member 54 is employed to raise and lower the platforms 44 and 50 supporting the thigh and lower leg of the patient. The mechanism for raising and lowering the platforms is shown in detail in Figure 2 in which figure the cam and stroke controlling apparatus, shown in Figures 3 and 4, has been omitted so as not to unduly complicate the draw- The lower leg supporting platform 50 is movably mounted on the channels 48, and as the platform 44 is raised or lowered, the platform 50 is moved outwardly or inwardly on the channels by motion of a member 62. One end of the member 62 is pivotally attached to the platform 50 at 64, and the other end pivotally attached to the end 68 of a member 65. The other end of the member 56 is pivotally attached to one end of a member 10 at 12. The other end of the member 10 is pivotally attached to a collar 14 as shown at 16. The member 14 is rigidly connected to the vertical rod member 22.

The member 66 is provided with a slot 18. A pin is affixed to the lower portion of the member 58 and extends through the slot 18 as shown in Figure 2. A clamp nut 82, as shown in Figure 3, and its associated parts are provided to securely clamp the member =06 with respect to the pin 80 to prevent longitudinal motion of the slot 18 in the member 66 with respect to the pin 80 while permitting the member 66 to rotate freely about the pin 80.

The clamp nut 82 and its associated parts are shown in Figures 7 and 8. The member 58 is provided with an extended portion 30! in which the threaded pin 80 is mounted and held by means of a set screw 302. A sleeve 303, a serrated washer 304 and a key 305 are held together by means of two screws 306 and are positioned over the pivot pin 80 and retained thereon by the head 30'! of the pivot pin 80. The member 66 has its surfaces adjacent to the slot 18 serrated and the washer 304 is provided with to accommodate the matching serrations as indicated at1308; The outer end .of the pivot sleeve 393 carries the threads 309 which are adapted to receive the clamp nut 82. The clamp nut .82., when threaded onto the pivot sleeve, is adapted to bear against the washer .310 and apply pressure holding the serrated portion of the member 66 in engagement with the serrated washer 394, thus preventing longitudinal motion of the member 66 with respect to the pin .89. The pivot sleeve 3.9.3 is, however, free to rotate on the pin 80 and thus, the member 66 is provided with free pivotal motion about the pin 30. Longitudinal motion of the member 66 with respect to the pin 80' is prevented when the clamp nut '82 is tightmod on the pivot sleeve. However, when the clamp .nut is loosened to permit the serrated surfaces of the member 66 and the washer 304 to :slide past each other, the position of the pin 80 in theslot in the member 66 can be adjusted.

It will be observed that, with the platform members their horizontal positions, as shown at =44 and 50,, there is provided a space, indicated generally {at 84, between these two platform members. {'Whfln these members are displaced to an upward position, as shown at 44' and 15.0, the action of the pivotally connected members 82' and fifi is to increase the distance between the members 44 and 59 as shown generally at 84". I As the members 44" and 50" are moved downwardly to a lower position, the action .of the pivotally connected members 62" and '66" is to redube the space :84" between the members 44" and 50".

'Ihis displacement of the member 50 inwardmy and outwardly as the hinged platform .is raised and lowered is highly desirable. A patient lying on the top of the stationary platform with his leg supported by the hinged platform will have his pelvic hinge displaced from the hinge 43 :between the platforms. As a result of this displacement, the patientfs heel will tend to move outwardlyas the hinged platform moves upward- -and the patients heel will move inwardly as the hinged platforms :move downwardly. Thus the movement of the platform 50 inwardly and outwardly as the platform 44 is lowered and raised prevents rubbing or scuffing of the patients heel such as would otherwise occur on the platform 50.

By adjusting the position of the pin 80 in the .slot 78 in the member 66, the degree of outward and inward motion of the platform 50 with respect to the platform 4-4 can be adjusted leg length and hinge displacement involved with .any particular patient.

As previously stated, the raising and lowering :of the leg supporting platform is accomplished by operating the motor 38 first in one direction and "then in a reverse direction. The duration of operation or-the number of revolutions of the vlmotor from a zero or horizontal table position will determine the degree of elevation or the degree of depression of the leg supporting platform. Figures 3 and 4 there is shown in enlarged fragmentary .form the portion of the drive shaft as viewed .from the rear and top sides, respective- -l,y,:-in :the region indicated generally by the arrow at 4| in Figure 1.

iRigidly mounted to the drive shaft supporting arm 40 is a limit switch mounting bracket 8.6 which mounts three limit switches 90, 92 and :94 which are held into position by means of a bracket 88. A control rod 96 is afiixed to the outer end :of one of the extending pins '56 of I the notch the member 54 by means of a screw 98. The control rod is adapted to be moved as the member 54 moves vbackwardly and forwardly parallel to rod 96 against the urging of the rollers 9i, 93 and 95 of the limit switches 9t, 92 and 94, respectively, which engage the control rod 96.

The control rod is provided in the center of its length with a notch I00. The slidably mounted bottom limit cam I04 is mounted adjacent to the outer end of the control rod and the slidably mounted top limit cam I08 is mounted adjacent to the inner end of the control rod. These limit cams are provided with the thumb screws I 05 and 1.06, respectively, to lock the cams to the control rod in any position where they may be set. The limit switch 92 is held in a position within the retainer 88 so that its roller 93 will enter I00 in the control rod. The limit switch 94 is so positioned that its roller 95 will be pressed inwardly by the cam E94 when the control rod has moved to the left to an extreme outer position by motion of the member 54.

The limit switch is so positioned that its roller 9| will be depressed upon engagement with the limit cam I 08 when the control rod has moved to an extreme right hand or inner position as a result of motion of the member 54 on the drive shaft 42. The limit switches 9t, 92 and 94 contain switch contact arms 233, 23? and 235, respectively, which are connected into a control circuit, as will be hereinafter described, insuch a manner that operation of the bottom limit switch-9d upon engagement with the bottom limit cam I04 will stop the drive motor when it is driving the platforms in a downward direction. The top limit switch at upon engagement with the top limit cam I08 will stop the drive motor when it is driving the platforms in an upward direction, and the level limit switch 92 upon engagement of its roller 93 with the notch I90 with the control rod will stop the operation of the motor with the platforms at a horizontal position.

The control rod is calibrated, as shown at I02, in degrees starting with the zero degree marking at the notch I60 and increasing in either direction away from the notch. The calibration marks on the control rod are scaled so that when the bottom limit cam is set at the 30 calibration the movable platforms of the exerciser will stop their downward motion at a 30 displacement from a horizontal position. When the top limit cam is set at the 30' position, as shown in Figure 3, upward motion of the movable platforms will be arrested at an angle of 30 above the horizontal position.

The limit stops I 09 and I 93 are rigidly fixed to the control rod 96 and serve to limit the maximum outward setting of the stop cams I98 and H14, respectively. If the stop cam set screws become loose, the limit stop will prevent the stop cams from sliding an excessive distance on the control rod.

At the extreme outer end of the drive shaft 42 there is provided a pair of jam nuts H9 which will serve to limit the upward motion of the table if the top limit control fails to operate. There is similarly provided a collar I I2 at the inner end of the threaded portion 52 of the drive shaft 42 which will limit the downward motion of the platforms if the bottom limit control fails to operate.

The electrical apparatus contained within the box I14, as shown in Figure 1, is diagrammed in Figure 5. In Figure there is shown the input power lines I I5 which are connected through switch H6 and fuses 2I8 to the control circuit. The control circuit involves three timers, a top limit timer I20, an intermediate or level timer I22 and a bottom limit timer I24. Associated with each of the timers I20, I22 and I24 are the pilot lamps I2I, I23 and I25, respectively. The pilot lamps and the control knobs for adjusting the timers, as will be hereinafter described, are shown extending through the cover of the box H4 in Figure 1. The control circuit also employs the start switch I66 which is exposed through the cover of the box H4 in Figure 1, a level timer control relay shown generally at I51, and the drive motor 38 as shown in Figures 1 and 5.

The structure of each of the three timers is identical as shown schematically in Figure 5, and a typical timer structure is shown in detail in Figure 6. Referring to Figure 6 each of these timers includes a synchronous timing motor I58 which is adapted to drive a shaft I59, spur gears I60, a shaft I6I and a toothed clutch plate I62. A clutch plate I64 is connected through a shaft I65, spur gears I66 and shaft I68 to a time pointer I10. The timer is provided with a control knob I14 carrying a time set pointer I12 which is movable independently of the pointer I and carries a stop member I13 and may be positioned in any position on the face of the timer by adjustment of the control knob. The shaft I68 urges the time pointer I10 against the stop member I13 as a result of the urging of spring I16 which is mounted with one end connected to the shaft I68 and with its other end rigidly affixed to a stationary post I18 which is ailixed to the frame I19 of the timer.

A clutch solenoid I80 is provided with an armature I82 on which there is mounted two contact arms 205' and 206' which are adapted to move with the armature I82. Also connected to the armature I82 is a clutch operating lever I86 having a forked outer end I81 which engages the shaft I61, the shaft being rotatable therein and movable thereby for the purpose of providing engagement or disengagement of the clutch plates I62 and I64.

A terminal block I88 is provided with terminals, not visible in Figure 6, for the external connection of lead wires as indicated by the numerals 206, 201, 208 and 209 in each of the timers shown in Figure 5. The terminal 201 is connected to a stationary contact 201, the terminal 208 is connected to the stationary contact 208', the terminal 206 is connected to the contact arm 206' by means of a flexible wire lead U3, and the terminal 209 i connected to one side of the solenoid coil I80 by wiring not shown in Figure 6.

A terminal block I90 is provided on its front face with terminals for the external connection of lead wires as indicated at 20I, 202, 203, 204 and 205 in the timers shown in Figure 5. Mounted to the rear of the terminal block I90 is a switch assembly indicated generally at I92. This switch assembly is operated by a tripping arm I94 when the arm is rotated by a tripping pin I96 which engages the arm when the gears I66 and the time pointer I10 have rotated to a zero or vertical position. The upper end of the tripping arm engages a switch arm I68 mounted on the terminal block I90 and to which are affixed two contact members 20 I and 204'. Also affixed to the terminal block I90 are members mounting three con tacts 202", 203' and 205". The contacts 20I', 204, 202", 203 and 205" are electrically connected through the terminal block I90 to the terminals 20I, 204, 202, 203 and 205, respectively. During operation of the timer, as will be hereinafter described in connection with the circuit diagram shown in Figure 5, the switch assembly I92 will in one position provide contact between contacts 20I and 202", and between 203' and 204'. In the other position of the switch assembly I92, the contacts 20I and 202, and 203 and 204 will be open, and the contacts 204' and 205" will be closed.

The terminal 202 is also electrically connected to the depending arm mounting contact 202' which is adapted to be engaged by the contact on the arm 206' when the solenoid I is energized. The contact arm 205' is connected to the contact arm 205" by the flexible conductor 2H and the contact points on the arm 205 are adapted to engage the contact 208' when the solenoid I80 is energized and to engage the contact 201' when the solenoid is deenergized. The timing motor I58 is connected to the terminals209 and 208, and the solenoid coil I80 is connected to the terminals 20I and 209. These connections, being clearly shown in Figure 5, are for purposes of clarity omitted from Figure 6.

When the timer is in a reset position, the time set pointer I12 is manually positioned on the dial of the timer at a distance from the zero point on the dial equivalent to the time of the desired operation of the timer, and the time pointer I10 is held in an identical position and against the time set pointer stop I13 by the action of the spring I16, the clutch plates I62 and I64 being disengaged.

Upon initiation of the timer timing cycle" operation by an external switch which will be hereinafter described, the solenoid coil I80 is energized, closing the contacts 202'-206 and 205'--208, opening the contact 205-201 and engaging the clutch plates I62 and I64. The

' timing motor I58 is energized and will then drive the time pointer I10 toward the zero position against the'urging of the spring I16 and move the trip pin I96 toward the tripping arm. When the time pointer reaches the zero position, the trip pin engages the tripping arm to operate the snap action switch and open the contacts 204- 205" and 20I-202, close the contacts 203'- 204' and interrupt the synchronous motor operation as will be hereinafter described in connection with the electrical circuit. The timer is now in a timed-out position.

To reset the timer for the next sequence of operation, it is necessary that the solenoid coil be deenergized by external control means. Deenergizing the solenoid coil opens contacts 202- 206 and 205-208, closes contacts 205-201, disengages the clutch I62-I64 and permits the spring I16 to return the time pointer I10 to an at rest position against the time set pointer stop I13. The trip pin I96 is thereby moved out of engagement with the tripping arm I92 and the snap action switch operates to close contacts 204--20-5" and 20I'-202" and open the contacts 203'-204.

The operation of the motor control circuit, shown in Figure 5, may now be described. Assuming the platforms to be in a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 1, the limit switches will be in a corresponding horizontal or central position against the control rod 96 with the level limit =9 82 actuated asshown operator will first closethe switch H6 which 181 mounted on: the far-side or the box H4 in Figure 13. thus energizing the control circuit from the power line i I 5 When: the switch 1 It is closed with the table in the level position, the control circuit will start to operate immediately and it is unnecessary to depress the start switch 56. The start switch I56, as will be hereinafter described, is provided, when i-tis necessary, to start the apparatus when the platforms are in such a position that none of the limit switches is energized.

When the switch I [-6 is closed; the. bottom timer cut-outrelay coil 2 2? is energized by current flowing through lines 22!}: and 226 to the coil, and from the coil 22! through line 228 through terminal 205, contact 204 and terminal 254 in the top timer I, through conductors 230 and 23-2 to bottom limit switch 94, through the contact arm 23% of the level limit switch to the power line 23 4. When the coil 22 relay t5 is energized, the contact arm 229 closes, connecting conductor 238 to conductor 240'.

The level timer 122' is energized by current flowing from power line 234 through line 236, contact arm 23'! of the level limit switch 92 con-- ductor 238 contact arm 22-9 of the level timer contact relay, conductor 240-, terminal 20] of the level timer to the conductor M4 to the solenoid coil sea of the level timer relay, and from the solenoid coil [8!) through conductor 2H1, terminal 209, conductors 242, 244, start switch I56 and conductor 245 to power line 220.

When the level timer solenoid coil I 80 is en'- ergized, the level timer contacts 206 and 205" are drawn into engagement with the connections to level timer terminals 202 and 288, whereupon the level timer timing motor I 58 is energized from terminal 209 which is connected to power line 226; as previously described, and through line H 2 connected to terminal 2W8, contact 205', contact 2M, terminal 204, conductor 248 top limit switchconta-ct arm 233, conductor 232, bottomlinrit switch contact 235 to power line- 234. At the same time that the level timer timing motor I 58 is energized, the leveltimer pilot light 523 is energized by connection with the level timer terminals 299 and 29 3-, through conductors 24-2 and 243', respectively, in parallel with the level timer timing motor I58.

The level. timer timing motor will operate for a timing cycle" depending upon the setting of in- Figure 5. The

the level timer time set pointer H 2 as previously described. Upon the expiration of this time interval. the timer snap action switch will operate and actuate the timer contacts 2M and 264" putting the timer in a timed-out position as previously described.

With the leveltimer in the timed-out position, the platforms drive motor 38 is energized to run in an up direction through the following connections-z Power from the line 224 will flow through the contact arm 235- of the bottom limit switch 94 conductor 232, the contact arm 23% of the top limit switch 92, conductor'248- to terminal 264 or" the level timer [22, through the level timer contact 2S4 which, with the timer in the timed-out position, closes the circuit between terminal 284 and 223, the current flow passes from terminal 2G3 through conductor 222 to the up terminal 22! of the drive motor 3-8. The center connection 223 of the motor 38 is connectesl directly to power line 220.

The motor 32 has the leads from its windings of the level timer cut-out connected to the terminals 221, 2 23 and 225. The motor windings are so arranged that, when power is applied to the motor terminals 221 and 223, the motor will operate in an up direction, i. e., it will operate to drive the platforms 44 and 50 upwardly. When power isv applied to the terminal 223 and 225, the motor will operate in a clown direction, i. e., in a direction which will move the platforms 44 and 53 downwardly.

When the level timer I22 assumes the timedout position and the contact 284 has operated to. close the circuit between terminal 203 and 204, the timer motor 253 and the level timer pilot light 23: will be deenergized by the opening of the circuit between terminal 268 and terminal 204 as: a result of the operation of the contact 204'.

As the drive motor 3 8 proceeds to move the platforms t4 and 5?) in an upward direction, the control rod. 26 is moved, the level limit switch 92 actuated as the notch liiii in the rod 96 is moved out from beneath the roller 23 of the level limit switch, and the connection between conductor 2% and. 232 is broken by movement of the contact 23'! of the level. limit switch to. a position closing the circuits between lines 236 and 239;

The drive motor continues to operate in an up direction being connected through level timer terminal contact 2514-", terminal 224, line 248, to limit switch contact 233, conductor 23 2, bottom limit switch contact 235, to power line 2 34". The level timer solenoid coil Hill remains energized by its connection with level timer contact 2652 and conductor 2M, terminal 2!, 202, contact 2%, 2516, conductor 248 through top limit switch contact 233, conductor 232, bottom limit switch contact 23 5 to conductor 234.

The lower timer thus remains in a. timed-out position, and the drive motor 38 proceeds to operate in an upward direction until the top limit cam tilt on the control rod. 25 engages. the roller 2i of the top limit switch 92' andoperates the top limit switch contact arm 233 breaking the circuit between lines 232 and 241i and closing the circuit between lines 232 and 252.

Operation of the top limit" switch opens the circuit connecting the drive motor up terminal 22! to power, thereby stopping the up operation of the motor. Operation of the top limit switch 99 also deenergizes the level timer solenoid coil M0 and permits the level timer to assume a reset position. Operation of the top limit switch energizes the top timer I20 solenoid coil it!) by completing the connection from the solenoid coil I through line 2i 4,

terminal 22!, line 250, top limit switch contact 233, conductor 232, bottom limit switch contact 235 to the power line 234. When the timer solenoid !80 is energized, the top timer contacts 206 and 205' are actuated and energize the top timing motor I58 and the toptimer pilot light I:2.l by completing the circuit from terminal 208 through contact 205, contact 204, terminal 204, conductor 239, bottom limit switch contact 235 to power. The top timer is now in its timing cycle. The drive motor 38 is not operative, and the platforms are in a uppermost position as shown at 44 and 50 in Figure 2.

The degree of elevation of the platforms will depend upon the placement of the top limit switch stop cam Hit on the control rod 96. The period of dwell 01" the platforms in their uppermost positions will depend upon the setting of the top timer time set pointer l'l2as previously described.

When the top timer times-out, the contact 11 204' is operated, opening the circuit between terminals 204 and 205 and closing the circuit between terminals 204 and 203. The top timer timing motor and pilot light, and the level timer cut-out relay coil 221 are deenergized by the operation of the contact 204.

The down terminal 225 of the drive motor 38 is energized by connection through terminal 203, contact 204, terminal 204, conductors 230, 232, bottom limit switch contact 235 to power line 234.

After a period of motor operation, the top limit switch 90 opens. The top timer solenoid coil I80 remains energized by connection with terminal 209 and by connection through conductor 2 I4, terminal 20I, 202, contact arm 206, terminal 206, conductors 230 and 232, bottom limit switch contact 235 and power line 234.

After further operation of the motor, the level limit switch 92 operates as a result of the level limit switch roller 93 engaging the notch I in the control rod 96. This actuation of the limit switch opens the circuit between conductors 236 and 239, and closes the circuit between conductors 236 and 238. The level timer cut-out relay contact 229 is open at this time, the coil 221 being deenergized as previously described,

therefore, the level timer is not energized. After a further period of operation of the drive motor 38, the level timer limit switch is again actuated as the roller 93 moves out of the notch I00, the contact is reestablished between conductors 236 and 239 by the limit switch contact 231.

After further period of operation by the drive motor in a downward direction, the bottom limit cam I04 engages the roller 95 of the bottom limit switch 94, and the bottom limit switch contact 235 opens the circuit between conductors 234 and 232, and closes the circuit between conductors 234 and 260. Opening of the circuit between conductors 234 and 232 deenergizes the drive motor down connection, stopping the drive motor and deenergizing the top timer solenoid coil I80, permitting the top timer to reset.

Operation of the bottom limit switch 94 energizes the bottom timer I24 solenoid coil I80 by connecting the coil I80 through conductor 2 I 4, terminal 20I, conductor 260 and bottom limit switch contact 235 with the power line 234. The other side of the coil I80 is connected to terminal 209 which is energized through conductor 244, switch I56 and conductor 246.

When the bottom timer solenoid coil is energized, the bottom timer contacts 206' and 205 are actuated, and the bottom timer motor I58 and the bottom timer pilot light I25 are energized from line 244, and through line 262, terminal 208, contact 205, contact 204, terminal 204, conductor 239, level limit switch contact 231 and conductor 236 to power. The bottom timer is now in its timing cycle and the tables are at rest in a bottom position. The degree of depression of the platforms depends upon the setting of the bottom limit cam I04 on the control rod 96, and the platforms remain at rest in this position for a time depending upon the setting of the bottom timer time set pointer.

At the end of the bottom limit timer timing period," the contact 204' is operated and the timer assumes a timed-out position. Operation of the contact 204 deenergizes the timing motor and the timing motor pilot light by opening the connection to line 239 which is connected to power through the level limit switch 92, and energizes the drive motor up terminal 22I by connecting it through conductor 222, terminal 203 and contact 204' to power.

The drive motor 38 is now operating in an up direction, and after a period of operation, the bottom limit switch 94 operates as it leaves the bottom limit cam I04. The bottom timer solenoid coil I remains energized by connection with power through conductor 2I4, contact 206, terminal 206, conductor 239 and the level limit switch 92.

Operation of the lower limit switch 94 completes the circuit connecting the level timer cutout relay coil 221 through conductor 22B, contact 204 of the top timer I20, conductor 230 and 232 and bottom limit switch contact 235 to power.

The drive motor continues to operate in an upward direction until the level limit switch 92 is again actuated by virtue of the movement of the roller 93 into the notch I00 of the control rod 96. Operation of the level limit switch opens the circuit connecting the-drive motor up terminal 22I to power through contact 204' of the bottom timer I24, conductor 239 and the level limit switch contact 231. Operation of the level limit switch also deenergizes the bottom timer solenoid coil I80 causing the bottom timer to assume a reset position.

Closure of the circuit between conductors 236 and 238 by the level limit switch contact 231 energizes the level timer I22 solenoid coil I80 through the level timer cut-out relay contact 229. The level timer proceeds to efiect a timing cycle identical to that hereinbefore described. The operation of the control circuit continues as has been described, each of the timers operating in succession.

When it is desired to terminate the operation of the exerciser, the switch H8 is opened, immediately deenergizing the drive motor and the entire control circuit.

In the sequence of operations previously described, it was assumed that the tables were in a horizontal position when the switch II6 was closed. If the control circuit is deenergized when the tables are in a position in which any of the limit switches are actuated, closing of the switch II6 will result in the timer associated with the actuated limit switch in immediately beginning its timing cycle, and the previously described sequence of operation will start from that point in the sequence.

If the control circuit is deenergized when the tables are in a position with none of the limit switches actuated, then, in order to reestablish operation of the control circuit, it is necessary to close the switch H6 and depress the start switch I56. Closure of the start switch I56 will energize the top timer solenoid coil I80 which then locks in through its own contact 205, as previously described, and at the termination of the top timer timing period, the drive motor 36 will operate in a downward direction until the bottom limit switch is actuated and the control sequence continues as previously described.

The apparatus disclosed herein provides an exerciser having a high degree of mobility and which may be readily moved from one bed to another in a hospital. The exerciser is adjustable in height so that it may be adjusted for use with beds of different heights and, by means of the flexible straps I1, the exerciser may be snugly attached to either side of a bed.

As previously described, the limits of upward and downward motion of the exerciser may be independently adjusted, and the periods of dwell c ooses in. the bottom, level or top positions may be independently adjusted. These adjustments may be readily made to accommodate theneeds of any particular patient in accordance with a doctors prescription. In the normal. operation of the exerciser, the platforms will come to rest. in the horizontal position only during upward travel of the platforms.

It will be apparent that the platform It and the cushion 18, which support the patients body, may be provided with a hinged portion serving as an elevatedv back rest which may be adjusted to a position adjacent to that of an adjustable hospital. bed. on which the patient may be lying. This provision is desirable under some circumstances where it is required that the elevated limb be not raised above the patients head.

Ashas been previously described, the platforms M- and 50 are more narrow than the platform I6 and its cushion l8. Thus, when the exerciser is. in operation in its position adjacent to a bed, with the platforms 44 and 50, rising and lowering and the platform 50 moving outwardly and inwardly from the platform 44, there is no.- contact between the platforms 44 and 50' with the bed. mattress or coverswhich would cause wear on both the bed mattress and covers, and on the.- covering; of the platforms 44 and D. This clearance between the platforms 44 and. 50 and the bed could also be accomplished. in an exonciser in. which all ofv the the platforms and cushions were of the. same width. by extending the pads l5 outwardly from. the: exerciser. This arrangement, however, would have the disadvantage of leaving a space between the bed mattress and the cushion it which might prove uncomfortable to the. patient;

These and other modifications may be. madeto the structure of the embodiment of the invention disclosed herein without departing from. the scope of the invention as set. forth inthe. following claims.

What is claimed is:

1.. An exerciser for elevating depressing. a patients limb. comprisig a framework, a platform mounted. on saidframework for supporting the patientsv body, a second platform. for sulpporting the patients leg, means. mounting: the second platform for movementin. hinged. relation with respect to the first mentioned. platform,

a third platform for supporting thepatientfs foot, means mounting the. third. platform for movement away from and toward the second plat-form, means. for moving. the second platform upwardly and downwardly in hinged relation to the first mentioned platform, and means for moving the third platform outwardly with respect to the sec ond. platform when. the second platform. is moved upwardly and inwardly with respect to the. second platform when the second. platform is. moved downwardly.

2. An. exerciser for elevating. and depressingv a patients limb comprising. a. framework, a plat.- form mounted on the patients body, a; second platform for sup porting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement in hinged relas tion with respect to the mentioned platform, a third platform for supporting. the. patients foot, means mountingthethird platform for movement away from and toward the second platform, controllable means for moving the second platform upwardly and downwardly in hinged relation to the first mentioned: platform, and. adjustable means for moving the thirdpl'atform outwardly said framework. for supporting with respect to the second. platform when the second. platform: is. moved upwardly and inward:- ly with respect to the second platform when the second platform is moved downwardly.

An exerciser for elevating and depressing, a patients. limb comprising a portable framework, a platform mounted on: said framework for supporting: the patient's: body, means mounted on said framework for adjusting. the height of the platform, means mounted on said framework for securing the exerciser in. position against a bed, a secondplatform. for: supporting the patients leg means mounting the second platform for movement in hingedrelation with respect to the first mentioned platform, athird platform for supporting the patients' foot, means: mounting; the third platform for movement away from. and toward the second platform, controllable means for moving the second platform upwardly and downward-1y in hinged relation to the first mentioned. platform, and adjustable means for moving the third platform outwardly with respect to the second platform when the second platform .is moved upwardly and. inwardly with respect to the second platform when the: secondv platform is moved downwardlyl. exerciser for elevating and depressing a patientfs; limb comprising a. framework, a platform mounted on said farmework for supporting the: patients body, a second platform for supporting the.- patients leg, means mounting, the second. platform for movement in hinged relation respect tothe first mentioned platform,- meansfor moving; the second platform upwardly and downwardly in hinged relation to the first mentioned. platform, a. third platform for sum porting the patients foot, and means mounting the third. platform for movement away from and toward? the: second platform, the last mentioned means comprising a linkage includinga link pivotally attached to the means for moving the second platform. upwardly and. downwardly.

5.. An exerciser for elevating and depressing. a patients comprising: a. framework, a platform mounted on said. framework for supporting; the patients. body, a second platform forsupporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement. in hinged relation with respect to; the: first mentioned platform, means for moving the second platform upwardly and downwardly in hingedrelation to the: first. mentioned. platform, a third platform. for supporting the patientfs foot, and mean mounting the third platform. for movement away from and towardthe second. platform, the last mentioned means comprising a. linkage connected to the; third platform, the framework and the means for moving: the; second platform.

6 An. exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients limbicomprisingaframework, a platformmounted on said framework. for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement in hingedrelation with respect to the.- first mentioned platform, a third platform. for supporting the patients foot, means mounting the third platform for movement away from and toward. the second platform, means: for moving the second platform upwardly and downwardly in hinged relation to the first mentioned platform, the last; mentioned. means comprising a reversible motor, a threaded shaft rotatably driven by the motor, means mounted for move ment along the threaded shaft when the shaft rotated, means attached to the second platform and in'engagement with the means mounted on the threaded shaft for moving the second platform as the shaft is rotated, and mean moving the third platform with respect to the second platform, the last mentioned means comprising a linkage including a link pivotally attached to the means attached to the second platform.

'I. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients limb comprising a framework, a platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement in hinged relation with respect to the first mentioned platform, a third platform for supporting the patients foot, means mounting the third platform for movement away from and toward the second platform, means for moving the second platform upwardly and downwardly in hinged relation to the first mentioned platform, the last mentioned means comprising a reversible motor, a threaded shaft rotatably driven by the motor, means mounted for movement along the threaded shaft when the shaft is rotated, mean attached to the second platform and in engagement with the means mounted on the threaded shaft for moving the second platform as the shaft is rotated, and means moving the third platform outwardly with respect to the second platform when the second platform is moved upwardly and. inwardly with respect to the second platform when the second platform is moved downwardly, the last mentioned means comprising a linkage connected to the third platform and connected to the framework, and including a link pivotally attached to themeans for moving the second platform upwardly and downwardly.

' 8. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients limb comprising a framework, a platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement in hinged relation with respect to the first mentioned platform, a third platform for supporting the patients foot, means mounting the third platform for movement away from and toward the second platform, means for moving the second platform upwardly to a predetermined elevated position and downwardly to a predetermined depressed position in hinged relation to the first mentioned platform, the last mentioned means comprising a reversible motor, a threaded shaft rotatably driven by the motor, means mounted for movement along the threaded shaft when the shaft is rotated, means attached to the second platform and in engagement with the means mounted on the threaded shaft for moving the second platform as the shaft is rotated, and means moving the third platform with respect to the second platform, the last mentioned means comprising a linkage including a link pivotally attached to the means attached to the second platform.

9. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients limb comprising a framework, a platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement in hinged relation with respect to the first mentioned platform, a third platform for supporting the patients foot, means mounting the third platform for movement away from and toward the second platform, means for moving the second platform upwardly to an elevated position and downwardly to a depressed position in hinged relation to the first mentioned platform, the last mentioned means comprising a reversible motor, a threaded shaft rotatably driven by the motor, means mounted for movement along the threaded shaft when the shaft is rotated, means attached to the second platform and in engagement with the means mounted on the threaded shaft for moving the second platform as the shaft is rotated, means for establishing a period of dwell of the second platform at each of the positions, and means moving the third platform with respect to the second platform, the last mentioned means comprising a linkage including a link pivotally attached to the means attached to the second platform.

10. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients limb comprising a portable framework, a platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, means mounted on said framework for adjusting the height of the platform, means mounted on said framework for securing the exerciser in position against either side of a bed, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement in hinged relation with respect to the first mentioned platform, a third platform for supporting the patients foot, means mounting the third platform for movement away from and toward the second platform, controllable means for moving the second platform upwardly and downwardly in hinged relation to the first mentioned platform, and adjustable means for moving the third platform outwardly with respect to the second platform when the second platform is moved upwardly and inwardly with respect to the second platform when the second platform is moved downwardly. i

11. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients limb comprising a portable framework, a platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, means mounted on said framework for adjusting the height of the platform, means mounted on said framework for securing the exerciser in position against either side of a bed, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement in hinged relation with respect to the first mentioned platform, a third platform for supporting the patients foot, means mounting the third platform for move ment away from and toward the second platform, controllable means for moving the second platform upwardly and downwardly in hinged relation to the first mentioned platform, and adjustable means for moving the third platform outwardly with respect to the second platform when the second platform is moved upwardly and inwardly with respect to the second platform when the second platform is moved downwardly, the second and third platforms being of lesser width than the first mentioned platforms to protect the bed covering against abrasion during operation of the exerciser.

12. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients limb comprising a portable framework, a platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, means for adjusting the height of the platform, means for securing the exerciser in position against a bed, said securing means including a pair of straps, means for joining said straps to the bed and means for'tensioning the straps, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first mentioned platform, and means for moving the second platform upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first mentioned platform, the exerciser being adapted to support a portion of the patients body while the patients limb is being exercised, the remaining portion of the patients body being supported by the bed.

13. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, and devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said second position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, 7

means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said third position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said first position. 1

14. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for sup-' porting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, and devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said second position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said third position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, and devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said second position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third, position in which it is located below the first platform, means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said third position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said first position, at least one of said means for effecting movements of the second platform being adjustable to provide variation of the dwell thereby.

16. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, means forinterrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said second position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said third position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and means for interrupting said driving preceding the movement effected.

means. at the end of the last mentioned movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said first position, and means for adjusting the second position of the second platform.

17. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said second position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned movement to providea dwell of the second platform in said third position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned movement to. provide a dwell of the second platform in said first position, and means for adjusting the third position of the second platform.

18. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in whichit is located above the first platform, means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the endv of said movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said second position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, means for interrupting drive of thesecond platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said third position, means for effecting movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and means for interrupting drive of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the'last mentioned movement to provide a dwell of the second platform in said first position, and

means for adjusting the second and third. posi-' tions of, the second. platform.

19. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supporting, the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, and devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, and timing means for effecting intermittent operations of said driving means with periods of dwell between said intermittent operations, said timing means. effecting, in each cycle, movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said second position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said third position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and a dwell of the second platform in said first position.

20. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, and devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, and timing means for effecting intermittent operations of said driving means with periods of dwell between said intermittent operations, said timing means effecting, in each cycle, movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said second position, movement of the second. platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in-which it is located below the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said third position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and a dwell of the second platform in said first position, said timing means being adjustable to provide variation of at least one of" said dwells.

21. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supportingthe patients-body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform. for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, and devices automatically operative to provide repeated: cycles of: movements of said second platform, said devices including, means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, and timing; means for effecting intermittent operations. of; said driving means with periods of, dwell between said intermittent operations, said: timing means effecting, in each cycle, move- 21 ment of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said second position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said third position, movement of the,

second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and a dwell of the second platform in said first position, said timing means being adjustable to provide variations of said dwells.

22. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, and timing means for effecting intermittent operations of said driving means with periods of dwell between said intermittent operations, said timing means effecting, in each cycle, movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said second position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said third position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and a dwell of the second platform in said first position, and means for adjusting the second position of the second platform.

23. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first platform, devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, and timing means for effecting intermittent operations of said driving means with periods of dwell between said intermittent operations, said timing means effecting, in each cycle, movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said second position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said third position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and a dwell of the second platform in said first position, and means for adjusting the third position of the second platform.

24. An exerciser for elevating and depressing a patients leg comprising a framework, a first platform mounted on said framework for supporting the patients body, a second platform for supporting the patients leg, means mounting the second platform for movement upwardly and downwardly with respectto the first platform, devices automatically operative to provide repeated cycles of movements of said second platform, said devices including means for driving the second platform upwardly and downwardly, and timing means for effecting intermittent operations of said driving means with periods of dwell between said intermittent operations, said timing means effecting, in each cycle, movement of the second platform by said driving means upwardly from an intermediate first position to a second position in which it is located above the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said second position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of said dwell from said second position to a third position in which it is located below the first platform, a dwell of the second platform in said third position, movement of the second platform by said driving means at the end of the last mentioned dwell from said third position to said first position, and a dwell of the second platform in said first position, and means for adjusting the second and third positions of the second platform.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,139,166 Leuchter Dec. 6, 1938 2,172,941 Manning Sept. 12, 1939 

